Huxley shoots me a withering glare, but luckily for me, I couldn’t care less about his menacing scowl.
“We got a call from William Edison, our realtor. We won the bid for the historic Angelica Building in San Francisco.”
Oh shit . . .
Kelsey looks around for answers. “What’s the Angelica Building?”
“It’s one of the most prominent apartment buildings in San Francisco. Currently completely empty because it needs deep renovations. It was put up for sale a few months ago, but instead of simply submitting an offer, we had to submit with accompanying plans as to how we’d preserve the building during renovations,” Huxley says.
“The building is beautiful,” Breaker adds. “Sits just beyond the Bay and has panoramic views and some of the most intricate marble work I’ve ever seen.”
“So why is this a secret?” Kelsey asks.
“Because before the news breaks, we want our team to go in, assess, and then draw up plans on how we’re going to proceed. Once the press finds out, it’ll be very hard to get our work done in peace without restoration groups knocking at our door, telling us how to do the job.” Huxley presses his palm to the table surface. “We have two weeks before the deal is announced. I want plans drawn up and contracts made before those two weeks are up.”
“I’m sorry,” Kelsey says, glancing around the room. “How does this pertain to me?”
“We want your input on sustainability for the building. We’re already in talks with a solar panel specialist to see what our options are for energy, but when it comes to building materials and organization, we want your input as well. Which means, you’re going to San Francisco tonight to meet with Edison and the team.”
“Oh.” Kelsey blinks a few times. “Okay. Sure, not a problem.”
“And JP will be going with you.”
And there it is.
I knew that was fucking coming.
Even though I knew it was coming and I know the reasoning behind it, I still say, “Why do I need to go? I believe this is something Lottie and Kelsey can handle themselves. I’m not her babysitter.”
“Uh . . . I have a bunch of wedding planning meetings scheduled.” Lottie winces. “I don’t think I can reschedule anything. I wasn’t aware I had to go with Kelsey.”
“You aren’t required to go,” Huxley says, keeping his eyes on me. “Sustainably Organized falls under JP’s management, which means he’ll be going.” The steeliness in his voice would scare any other employee, but it washes right over me. His intimidation tactics are useless on me.
We stare each other down, the tension growing in the room, and I wait for Breaker to jump in, to say something, but when the room remains silent, I know there’s no help coming my way.
It’s pointless.
They’re going to gang up on me and then I’ll be headed to San Francisco with Kelsey, the person I most want to avoid.
But being the people pleaser that she is, Kelsey chimes in and says, “If JP is busy, I can go on my own. I’m sure I can handle this.”
“The fuck you can,” I say before I can stop myself. All eyes fall on me, perhaps shocked at my obvious anger. Shit, that was harsh. I attempt to tone it down. “There’s more to it than just walking around an office. Hate to say it, but you’re not sufficiently educated to handle this on your own. This is more like a job for Huxley, given the logistics of it.”
If looks could fucking kill, I would be six feet under right now.
But all care has left my body.
I can’t seem to scrounge up one ounce of giving a fuck.
Speaking in a clipped tone, Huxley says, “I have to be at the wedding planning meetings with Lottie.”
“You’ve had no problem flying back and forth before.”
“What do you not understand about this being your responsibility?” Huxley asks.
“I never asked for this responsibility,” I say and then motion to Breaker. “Why doesn’t he go?”
With a confused look on his face, Breaker tilts his head and asks, “Why the hell would I go when Kelsey works with you? I have no fucking clue what you guys are doing over there with the buildings and all the environmental changes happening in this office. All I know is that my water comes in an aluminum can now and I like it.” He leans close and asks, “Dude, what the fuck is going on? You love San Francisco, and this is your job, so why don’t you want to go?”
Great question.
Can’t tell him the real reason.